While a Jew was selling goods, he was given something which he did not accept or he did not agree (to accept) that 'Abdul 'Azlz (one of the narrators) is doubtful about it. He (the Jew) said: By Allah, Who chose Moses (peace be upon him) among mankind. A person from the Ansar heard it and gave a blow at his face saying: (You have the audacity) to say: By Him Who chose Moses amongst mankind, whereas Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is living amongst us. The Jew went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said: Abu'l-Qasim, I am a Dhimmi and (thus need your protection) by a covenant, and added: Such and such person has given a blow upon my face. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Why did you give a blow on his face? He said: Allah's Messenger, this man said: By Him Who chose Moses (peace be upon him) amongst mankind, whereas you are living amongst us. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) became angry and signs of anger could be seen on his face, and then said: Don't make distinction amongst the Prophets of Allah. When the horn will be blown and whatever is in the heavens and the earth would swoon but he whom Allah grants exception, then another horn will be blown and I would be the first amongst those who would recover and Moses (peace be upon him) would be catching hold of the Throne and I do not know whether it is a compensation for that when he swooned on the Day of Tur or he would be resurrected before me and I do not say that anyone is more excellent than Yunus son of Matta (peace he upon him).
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2373a
This narration from Sahih Muslim contains profound lessons regarding the status of prophets and proper conduct toward People of the Book under Islamic protection.
Contextual Analysis
The incident involves a Jewish merchant who swore by "Allah Who chose Moses among mankind" during a business transaction. An Ansari Muslim, misunderstanding the exclusive nature of this oath, struck the Jew for not mentioning Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) while he was present among them.
The Jew rightfully sought justice from the Prophet (ﷺ) as a dhimmi (protected non-Muslim citizen) whose rights were violated.
Prophetic Response and Theological Principles
The Prophet's (ﷺ) anger was directed not at the Jew but at the Muslim who struck him. His statement "Don't make distinction amongst the Prophets of Allah" establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of respecting all prophets equally.
The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that while prophets have different ranks before Allah, Muslims must not create divisions or show preference in a manner that leads to disrespect of any prophet.
Eschatological Insights
The Prophet's description of the Horn being blown twice provides profound eschatological knowledge. His statement that he would be "the first amongst those who would recover" indicates his special status as the Final Prophet.
The mention of Moses holding the Throne and the uncertainty regarding whether this compensates for his swooning at Mount Tur demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous honesty in reporting what he knew with certainty versus what contained some ambiguity.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes the inviolability of dhimmis and their right to protection under Islamic law. The Muslim's action constituted both a violation of the covenant of protection and unnecessary interference in the religious expressions of People of the Book.
The incident teaches that while Muslims believe in the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) message, this does not justify disrespect toward other prophets or their followers when they express their legitimate beliefs.